1. International survey of audiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic: effects on mental well-being of audiologists.
- Author
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Bennett, Rebecca J., Manchaiah, Vinay, Eikelboom, Robert H., Badcock, Johanna C., and Swanapoel, De Wet
- Subjects
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ANXIETY diagnosis , *DIAGNOSIS of mental depression , *MENTAL depression risk factors , *WELL-being , *WORK environment , *SOCIAL support , *HEALTH services accessibility , *SELF-evaluation , *AGE distribution , *CROSS-sectional method , *POPULATION geography , *WORLD health , *MEDICAL personnel , *RISK assessment , *SEX distribution , *JOB security , *LONELINESS , *EMPLOYMENT , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *DISEASE prevalence , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PSYCHOSOCIAL factors , *CHI-squared test , *INDUSTRIAL hygiene , *AUDIOLOGISTS , *ANXIETY , *OCCUPATIONAL health services , *DATA analysis software , *POPULATION health , *COVID-19 pandemic , *TELEMEDICINE , *MENTAL health services , *PSYCHOLOGICAL distress - Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the mental well-being of audiologists in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, between 23 June and 13 August 2020. A self-report survey included screening measures for psychological distress (PHQ-4: anxiety and depression) and loneliness (UCLA-3). 239 audiologists from around the world. The prevalence of psychological distress was 12.1% (subscales for anxiety 16.3% and depression 10.4%), and loneliness 32.2%. Depression and loneliness were higher in those participants self-reporting perceived job insecurity, with psychological distress (anxiety and depression) higher in those from South Africa. Accessibility to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) appears to be a protective factor. Well-being interventions, such as EAPS, are needed to support audiologists during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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